Compression.

[spencerlogan]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22061360/cats..mp3

I thought I'd give a shot at mixing this tune before I was done writing it. Everything seemed to settle well when it was mixed but I can't tell if I killed it with compression. On the master output I used a slow attack, fast release and a 3:1 ratio on a T-Racks Compressor and the limiter had a fast release.

Updated mix. Hopefully it's a giant improvment.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22061360/cats3.mp3

 

[AntonioPetrole]

midi guitars?

 

[spencerlogan]

not even.

 

[Mm1066]

midi guitars?

I think it's just guitars edited badly.

Edit: On a more constructive note I don't think the mix has been killed with compression.

 

[spencerlogan]

yeah nothing came together with this mix. it's frustrating and i'm not sure how to fix it.

 

[Redline4]

3:1 is a bit hard for a master comp but in this case it's not so bad. Mix-wise I don't like the guitars, eq them differently I dunno.. It's your main problem I think.

 

[OneDaySky]

Are the guitar parts all copy and paste? Sounds too robotic i rate!

 

[spencerlogan]

updated mix posted..

 

[xFkx]

just pan the snare in the center, might help

 

[spencerlogan]

more help listening to the updated mix would be awesome.

 

[Ozterkvlt]

I don't think it's killed with compression tbh. But the mix could still do with some work, sounds a bit dull ATM. The kick is too boomy, cymbals are too loud and the snare needs to come up a bit. Nor sure if I like the guitars either, they sound a bit unfocused and muddy, under-gained also maybe. I think it'll sound alot better already if you just fix the levels.

 

[RaNk]

Like xFkx said, the snare really needs to be panned to the center. There's alot happening in the low end, I would clean that out a bit. The kickdrum and bass clearly share the same (low) frequencies. Maybe a bit more highpass on the bass and a boost around 1000-1400Hz (Q around 2 and try starting around 6dB). And also maybe more highpass on the guitars as well and a little less low mids but that's also a taste thing. I would make the cymbals a little less metallic, usually a cut around 4500Hz helps (and a bit softer like Ozterkvlt said). If it's cleared more, the compressor causes less pumping (not that it's *that* bad), and you could try a little longer release setting. Also using a little more limiting instead of compressing can help.

 

[spencerlogan]

Thanks guys, the help has been tremendous. I had no idea it was so heavy in the lower frequencies until I compared it with mixes I like. Hopefully that's the only thing making the guitars sound bad.